SVM demands registering FIR against IDC directors

SVM demands registering FIR against IDC directors
Challenges GCCI president on employment of Goans
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, APRIL 13
Citing the report of Comptroller and Auditor General, SEZ Virodhi Manch on Monday pressed for the much-awaited registering of the FIR against those in the Goa Industrial Development Corporation who are responsible for the alleged and fraudulent process of land allotment for SEZs in Goa.
Addressing a press conference in the city Monday, SVM Convenor Charles Fernandes said the stand of SVM had been vindicated as the CAG report had exposed the fraudulent process of land allotments by the GIDC. The CAG report has observed: No system exists to assess the requirement in accordance with any specific project of its own or local demand of industries and allotments are made without any transparent selection procedures. Audit noticed irregularities in 86 allotments (46.24 lakh sq m) involving loss of revenue of Rs 102.64 crore.
Charles said since October 22, 2007, complaints were filed at various police stations against the fraud backed by documents procured under RTI from the GIDC to uncover the big scam. At the same press conference today, SVM strongly condemned the reported statements made by Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Nitin Kuncolienkar who criticised Goans for opposing the SEZ fraud.
Social activist Pravin Sabnis, who was present, alleged that Kuncolienkar was very much a part of the process of land allotments for SEZs which in reality was a real estate scam.
SVM has challenged the GCCI president to publish the percentage of Goan youth employed in the 22 industrial estates existing in the State before favouring more industries.
It further challenged Kuncolienkar to do away with the contract labour system and regulated the minimum wages in the existing industrial estates.
Convenor of Jagrut Goem Aravind Bhatikar, who remained present at the briefing, also took potshots at GCCI. General Secretary of Council for Social Justice & Peace Fr Maverick Fernandes was also present.
Meanwhile, the petitions by different villagers against the land scam are coming up for hearing on April 27. Working President SVM Franky Monteiro said they would wait for the authorities to take the desired action in the case and if nothing happened soon after the Lok Sabha election they would go on agitation mode.